Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Nokian's Hakkapeliitta Stud Evolution

Spotlight on Nokian's Innovative and Patented Stud Designs

For years, every tire manufacturer used a standard circular stud for winter tires. Nokian is the first tire manufacturer to innovate new stud designs in order to increase stud retention and increase the safety of the Hakkapeliitta line.

The invention that has the greatest impact on the tyre's performance is similar to the heel cushioning in good running shoes. The air vents in the tyre soften and absorb the stud impact, making driving smooth and flexible. On the front edges of the tread blocks, there are air shock absorbers shaped in the form of droplet-like chambers. They soften the stud contact with the road and absorb the impact. At the same time, they reduce the stud vibration when coming into contact with the road. The air shock absorbers reduce wear and tear on the road, dampen tyre noise and prolong the service life of the studs.

The bear claw application known from Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 is also a grip-providing element in the new tyre. The bear claw keeps the stud perpendicular to the surface as the tread block is optimally tightened when brakes are applied. The studs are tightly affixed, offering top-of-the-line braking grip.

The entirely new, multi-edged and sturdy anchor stud of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is wide, which improves longitudinal grip when accelerating and braking. Lateral grip has been improved with the shape of the bottom flange. The stud's bottom flange is wider than before, which offers the stud more powerful lateral support.